It's A Dog's Life

When I was a kid I used to run with my dog Ginger up to the Winningham mailbox and back just for the fun of it. I wasn't very fast, but it gave Ginger and I a chance to avoid the evening chores for about 20 minutes and to enjoy each other's company. She heard all my stories of the events of the day, licked my face to assure me that I was loved, and generally kept my psyche on uneven keel.  On our return run, we would climb through the fence at the corner and chase the cows in for milking. 
Even though I haven't really run with a dog for 50 years... and I'm slower now than then!... running still keeps me on an even keel. Here's this week's post for my training for the Bentonville Half 8 April. Wanting to put the spotlight on my old alma mater! 

Celebrating Gentry Pioneers!

Fist training run for Bentonville Half.
I'm not gonna be ready.
Enjoyed the holidays way too much!

Fifty years ago, I graduated from Gentry High School in Gentry, Arkansas... that was hard to write... I can't believe fifty years have gone by so quickly! My little town is not so little anymore. It is buzzing with energy and potential! Even though I have not lived there since 1968, I am so proud to say that I am from Gentry! The wonderful people of that community so many years ago lovingly molded and shaped me. My values, my beliefs, my character, my central core. All were influenced by the pioneering spirit of neighbors, small business owners, church pastors, community leaders, teachers, coaches, school administrators and, of course, students and childhood friends.

So, I want to in some small way celebrate Gentry and give back. I am running in the Bentonville Half Marathon on Saturday April 8, 2018. I am hoping to raise funds for programs supported by the Gentry schools and the Gentry United Way. And, of course, finish the race... and not finish last.

Since this is my first post for this race, I hope to share more in the coming days!

A New Christmas Tradition?

Well, it's a wrap. Nine half and two marathons for 2017. Plus some 5k's, 10K's etc. thrown in for fun. I don't know how many years I can keep doing this, but have seven half's and one full lined up for 2018.

Every year since we have been married, we have placed a hat on the Christmas tree. (Short story: we were so poor our first Christmas together, the tree was a scrub that fit on the kitchen table and all ornaments were hand made. The tree was topped with my "cowboy" hat since Lynn had married a farm boy from Arkansas.) In the 40 plus years since,  the hat identified with a significant event of the year (baby bonnets, grand baby bonnets, race hats, vacation hats, kids sports hats, yada, yada).

This year marks the first time I have run more than one marathon in the same year--and with the half finisher medals--too much for the family tree (usual there is only one or two to place on the back side!) So, the runs got their own tree. What a hoot.

If we do it again, I am going to make it a family tradition and have everyone put all their finisher medals on it. I think that would be pretty cool...

Thanksgiving 2017

Since 1992 some or all of our family has, more often than not, participated in the annual Turkey Run on Thanksgiving Day. Great way to work up an appetite. Also a wonderful way to connect with friends and express gratitude for all of life. This year has brought tender moments with grandchildren; amazing adventures in far away places (Machu Picchu for one); awesome time with community volunteers (sorting socks, serving meals, painting schools); opportunities to support worthy causes around the world through Outreach International, water.org, and HealthEd Connect; challenging running trails; and lots of love! I am grateful for a life well lived!

NYC MARATHON 2017--What a RUSH!

The New York City 2017 Marathon was un like anything I have ever experienced! The energy of the race was amazing. Each of the five boroughs had a unique personality! Running through Brooklyn and Queens was such fun (see the videos below). To arrive by 8:00 a.m. at the start area under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, I had walked, ridden the subway, ferried, taken a bus, and jogged only to wait until my wave’s start time of 11:00 a.m. I finished at dusk in Central Park. In between was sun, rain, wind, fun conversations, cheering crowds, music, beer, potholes, drama, costumes, and on and on.

We stayed with dear friends (actually BFF of my daughter) Kevin and Jennie Macfee and their daughters Eloise and Sara Kate. They were not only such gracious hosts, but fun every day we were there.

We raised $$ for Outreach International in supporting the eradication of extreme poverty. OI is an amazing organization with an outstanding reputation for making a difference in our world. 

Arrived at start area three hours before the start....

Jennie, Sarah Kate, Eloise and Kevin surprised me with this notice on the apartment door!

Looking for a dry hat!

Just finished and still standing!

Yes I did!

Great to be out when the city wakes up!

Last training run in Central Park

Can't wait to get on with it!

40,000 are already running. We are about to start!

My kind of group!

I loved the energy of Brooklyn!

On of the many musical stops along the way!

Pre-race carbo loading-only way to go!